My family and I recently took a day trip to the Silos at Magnolia in Waco, Texas. I had heard so much about it over the years, so I was excited to finally experience it for myself.
Since we were visiting in the middle of a Texas summer, I kept things casual with cropped jeans, comfortable sneakers, and a lightweight yellow blouse that made walking around all day much easier.
Magnolia Bakery
One of my first stops was the Magnolia Bakery. Ironically, I didn’t end up taking any photos of the bakery itself. When we first arrived, there wasn’t much of a line, so I told myself I’d come back later to take pictures.
That plan didn’t quite work out.
By the time we returned, there was a long line stretching outside the bakery. Since there were so many people waiting, I didn’t feel comfortable photographing strangers without their permission. Instead, I snapped a photo of the cupcakes we purchased—and honestly, they were just as photogenic as the bakery itself!
Shopping at the Silos
The shops were filled with beautiful farmhouse-inspired décor. There were gorgeous dishes, seasonal decorations, fresh flowers, home accessories, bath and body products, and plenty of Magnolia-branded shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, and souvenirs.
One thing that really stood out to me was the candles. They smelled amazing! I picked one up more than once but ultimately decided not to buy it. Looking back, I kind of wish I had. I noticed a few candles starting around $30, with some priced even higher, but the fragrances were wonderful.
If you enjoy home décor or simply browsing beautiful displays, you’ll probably spend quite a bit of time wandering through the shops.
The Atmosphere
The Silos has a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. There were children playing on the large lawn, families relaxing in the shade, and people enjoying lawn games. I believe I saw baseball activities and what looked like cornhole, although I didn’t get close enough to confirm.
Even though there were quite a few visitors, the property never felt overwhelmingly crowded. What I wasn’t prepared for was the Texas summer heat. It was extremely hot, and after walking around for a while, I found myself wishing I had planned this trip during a cooler season.
If I could do it again, I would definitely visit during the spring or on a weekday.
Parking
Parking at Magnolia is free, but when we arrived every space seemed to be full. Rather than driving around looking for an opening, we parked at a nearby church that was offering parking for $10. It was convenient and saved us some time.
Pop’s Lemonade
After walking around in the heat, we were ready for something cold. My husband, my son, and I stopped by Pop’s Lemonade, one of the food vendors at the Silos.
We ordered one of their signature lemonade buckets. It was delicious and incredibly refreshing, although it was about $10. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, they also sell bottled lemonades.
There were several food trucks throughout the property, so there were plenty of places to grab lunch or a snack.
The Little White Church
One stop I really enjoyed was the little white church on the property. There wasn’t a service taking place while we were there, but visitors were welcome to walk inside.
There was also a display explaining the history of the church and how it came to be part of Magnolia. It was peaceful, beautifully maintained, and offered a nice place to cool off for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed visiting the Silos at Magnolia. The property is beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and incredibly picturesque.
I didn’t take as many photos as I normally would because there were so many people around, and I wanted to be respectful of everyone’s privacy. Even so, it was a fun family outing and a place I’m glad I finally experienced.
If I were to ever go back, I’d choose a weekday in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and the crowds are lighter.
If you’re planning a visit, wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and don’t forget your camera. Just be prepared for the Texas heat if you’re visiting during the summer!
Tips for Your First Visit
- Visit in spring or fall if possible.
- Arrive early for easier parking.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring water in the summer.
- Budget extra if you plan to shop.
It is good to be able to explore cities near you. You don’t have to take a lavish vacation to recharge. Sometimes, beautiful experiences are just a short drive away.
